Nasir Jamshed steadies Pakistan to secure victory over India

India 227-6 Pakistan 228-4

Pakistan’s Nasir Jamshed hit an unbeaten century yesterday (Getty Images)

Nasir Jamshed struck an unbeaten century as Pakistan claimed a six-wicket win over India in Chennai to take a 1-0 lead in the one-day series on Sunday. The 23-year-old opener hit 101 from 132 balls as Pakistan reached their target of 228 for the loss of four wickets and with 11 balls to spare.

Younis Khan made 58, putting on a third-wicket stand of 112 with Jamshed, while Shoaib Malik contributed an unbeaten 34, sealing victory with a four.

India, playing their first match since the one-day retirement of Sachin Tendulkar, made 227 for 6 with Tendulkar a predictably tough act to follow.

The top five scored a combined 18 and only a magnificent 113 not out from captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni made their total remotely competitive. Junaid Khan did most of the damage to the top order and finished with four wickets for 43.

Pakistan's chase got off to a poor start though as they lost the wicket of Mohammad Hafeez first ball, Bhuvneshwar Kumar's delivery taking out the off stump as the batsman failed to offer a shot.

Azhar Ali became Kumar's second victim when he had him caught by Rohit Sharma at square leg for just nine as Pakistan reached 21 for 2.

Jamshed stood firm throughout a tricky period, though, and, with Younis getting comfortable at the other end, brought up his half-century with a flicked single. Younis reached his 50 in more spectacular style, hitting Suresh Raina for six.

India finally made a breakthrough when they removed Younis. Ashok Dinda delivered a low full toss and Ashwin took a low catch, replays showing he had got his hands under the ball in the nick of time.

With Younis gone for 58 off 60, Pakistan were 133 for 3, but Jamshed remained a consistent presence at the other end. And, with the victory target in sight, Jamshed and Malik guided the visitors home.

Earlier, Khan had ripped through the top order to leave the hosts on 29 for five in the 10th over, but Dhoni steadied things as he passed 7000 runs in one-day internationals.